Dumaguete: The Department of Education (DepEd) in this capital city kicked off Brigada Eskwela on Monday without any significant hitches, an official said. Juditha Mapue, assistant division superintendent, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that people were 'participative' in the yearly activity that preludes the opening of classes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mapue noted that everything went well, with only a few tasks like painting and cleaning remaining, since many had already performed these tasks before Brigada Eskwela commenced. At the Dumaguete City National High School, officials, teachers, and key partners and stakeholders signed a commitment wall.

The teachers only had April for an uninterrupted vacation and were back in school by May to prepare the classrooms for the upcoming school year, she said. Mapue stated that Brigada Eskwela was voluntary when it started in 2003. By 2008, the program had already become an institutionalized activity held before the opening of classes. This allowed school personnel, stakeholders, and private organizations to better organize themselves when carrying out the activity.

Meanwhile, Mapue mentioned that the enrollment of students has been extended and will continue even beyond the opening of classes on June 8. She added that transferees can also be accommodated, provided they have their previous records with them. The student population this school year is expected to slightly increase from last year's approximately 22,000.